Schorfheide: Nature, wildlife park and Werbellinsee

Landscape and wildlife park

Werbellin lies in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, in a hilly terminal moraine landscape that is partly under special nature protection. The landscape provides a tangible setting for experiencing nature; the protected-area designation applies to parts of the surrounding area.

At Schorfheide Wildlife Park in Groß Schönebeck, big game animals and very rare traditional domestic animal breeds whose populations are threatened live in spacious enclosures. The animal population therefore includes both big game and old domestic breeds, whose threatened status is an explicit part of the picture. There are also seven kilometres of walking trails with rest and picnic areas, a large playground and a petting enclosure. If you are planning a visit with children, you can also take these additional areas into account alongside the animal enclosures. The trails and rest areas offer a different focus from the playground or petting enclosure.

Cycling and water at Werbellinsee

In Altenhof on Werbellinsee, there is a bathing meadow as well as boat and bicycle rentals. The village is also a popular starting point for cycling and walking tours through Schorfheide. This lets you combine time by the water with activities on land; which one shapes the day depends on your planned itinerary.

For cycling, the Werbellinsee circular cycle route provides more detailed guidance. It is signposted with junction-based wayfinding and its own route logo. The route runs from Wildau over the wooden bridge at Askanierturm, along well-maintained forest paths directly beside the lakeshore, to Altenhof, the only village situated directly on the lake. Joachimsthal, Eichhorst or Altenhof are listed as possible starting and finishing points. This choice of locations helps you plan the cycling loop without requiring you to choose Altenhof as the only possible start or finish.

Another water-based activity is available at the Finowfurt waterway rest area on the edge of Schorfheide. Canoe tours set off from there along the Finow Canal, and canoes can be rented at the rest area. The difference between the two water-based options is clear: in Altenhof, the focus is on Werbellinsee, the bathing meadow and boat rental; in Finowfurt, it is on canoe tours along the canal. This lets you choose the activities that best suit your preferred holiday day.

Culture and local information

An exhibition on the natural landscapes of Schorfheide and its Polish partner region, Drawsko, is located in Groß Schönebeck railway station. Concerts are held regularly in the Evangelical church in Groß Schönebeck. The tourist information office in Groß Schönebeck also advises visitors on planning cycling and walking tours, as well as excursions to places of interest. This adds culture and practical help with planning outings to the nature experiences.

The “Hunting and Power” exhibition includes an approximately 40-minute film on three screens about the history of Schorfheide. It is shown in the coach house of the hunting lodge during its opening hours, on the quarter hour. The screening provides a manageable item on your itinerary; plan for it with the hunting lodge’s opening hours in mind. In Altenhof, the preserved vaulted cellar of Breten Castle is protected as an archaeological monument. The church in Werbellin was consecrated in January 1914.

These different areas of interest can help you choose a location for your holiday apartment: Groß Schönebeck stands for the wildlife park, exhibition and help with planning outings; Altenhof for the bathing meadow, rental services and walks; and Finowfurt for canoe tours on the Finow Canal. Consider which experiences you would like to focus on and use that to guide your search for a suitable holiday location in Schorfheide.

Discover more destinations: Friedrichswalde, Werneuchen, Lunow-Stolzenhagen, Biesenthal, Breydin, Wandlitz, Chorin.

Go to the broader travel overview: Barnim.